What You Need to Do to Change Your Name at Social Security

The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not change your name for you — you change it through your state first, then tell Social Security about it. You will need to go to your local Social Security office or mail them documents that prove your legal name change. The SSA will update your record, and you will receive a new Social Security card in the mail within two to four weeks.

Your name change must be legal in your state before Social Security will recognize it. This means you have already gone through a court process, received a marriage certificate, or completed a name change petition — depending on why your name changed. Social Security will not process your request without proof of that legal change.

Key Takeaways

  • You must obtain a legal name change through your state court or vital records office before Social Security will update your record.
  • You can change your name at Social Security by visiting your local office in person or by mailing documents to your regional processing center.
  • You will need to bring or send your Social Security card, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your legal name change.
  • A new Social Security card arrives in the mail within two to four weeks after Social Security processes your request.
  • You should also notify your employer, bank, and insurance companies of your name change so your earnings record stays accurate.

Getting Your Legal Name Change First

Before you contact Social Security, you must have a legal document showing your new name. If you married, divorced, or adopted a child, you received a court order or certificate. If you changed your name through a petition, you have a court order from your state. Social Security will ask to see this document, so keep it with you.

If you lost your legal name change document, contact the court that issued it or your state's vital records office. Each state keeps these records differently. You can search for your state's vital records office online or call your county courthouse to ask where name change records are stored. Getting a certified copy takes one to three weeks and may cost $10 to $30.

Visiting a Social Security Office in Person

Walk into your local Social Security office with your current Social Security card, a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and your legal name change document. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some now use online scheduling. You can find your nearest office and check its hours at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Tell the staff member at the front desk that you need to change your name. They will give you a form called Form SS-5 (process for a Social Security Card). Fill it out with your new name, sign it, and hand it back. The staff will copy your documents and send them to the processing center. You will walk out with a receipt showing your process was received.

Mailing Your Documents to Social Security

If you cannot visit an office, you can mail your documents to your regional Social Security processing center. First, fill out Form SS-5 and sign it. Make copies of your Social Security card, photo ID, and legal name change document — do not send originals. Write your current phone number and mailing address on the form.

Find your regional processing center address on ssa.gov by entering your zip code, or call 1-800-772-1213 to ask where to send your documents. Mail everything together in one envelope. Include a note with your current name, Social Security number, and the name you are changing to. The SSA will process your request and mail your new card to the address you provided.

What Happens After You Submit Your Request

Social Security will review your documents and update your record. This takes one to two weeks at an office or two to four weeks by mail. You will receive a new Social Security card at your mailing address. The card will show your new name and the same nine-digit number.

While you wait, you can still use your old card for work and banking. Your employer and bank will eventually need to see your new card, but there is no rush. However, you should tell them about your name change as soon as you can so your earnings record stays linked to your Social Security number and your accounts stay in your name.

Updating Your Name Elsewhere After Social Security

Once you have your new Social Security card, update your name with your employer's payroll department, your bank, your insurance companies, and the IRS. Your employer needs your new name and Social Security card to keep your earnings record correct. Your bank needs it to match your account to your name. The IRS needs it to match your tax returns to your Social Security number.

You may also need to update your name with your state's driver's license or ID office, your mortgage lender, your car insurance, and your health insurance. Each organization has its own process. Most will ask to see your new Social Security card or your legal name change document. Start with your employer and bank, since those affect your income and money most directly.

If You Changed Your Name Due to Marriage or Divorce

If you married, your marriage certificate is your legal name change document. Bring the original or a certified copy to Social Security. If you divorced and your divorce decree shows your new name, bring that. Some states issue a separate name change certificate along with the divorce papers — if yours did, bring that instead.

If you are in the process of getting married or divorced but do not yet have the final document, wait until you do. Social Security will not accept a pending case or an process. Once you have the signed, stamped certificate or order from the court, you are ready to go to Social Security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name at Social Security without going to an office?

Yes. You can mail Form SS-5 and copies of your documents to your regional processing center. You do not need to visit an office. Mail takes longer than visiting in person — two to four weeks instead of one to two weeks — but both methods work.

What if I do not have a government-issued photo ID?

Social Security will accept other documents if you do not have a driver's license or passport. A state ID, tribal ID, or military ID works. If you have none of these, call your local Social Security office to ask what other documents they will take. You may need to bring two documents instead of one.

Do I need to change my name everywhere at once?

No. Start with Social Security and your employer, since those affect your earnings record and paychecks. Update your bank and insurance companies within a few weeks. Other organizations like the DMV or mortgage lender can wait, but do not leave them unchanged for years — it creates confusion if you ever need to prove your identity.

What if Social Security loses my documents?

This is rare, but if it happens, Social Security will contact you by mail or phone. Keep your receipt from your office visit or your mailing confirmation. If Social Security says they never received your documents, you can resubmit them or visit an office again. Ask for a supervisor if you believe there was an error.

Will my Social Security number change when I change my name?

No. Your nine-digit Social Security number stays the same for your entire life. Only the name on your card changes. This is why it is important to tell your employer and bank about the change — so they know the new name goes with the same number.